(December 2, 2021) The Bench to Bedside Series: Preclinical Cancer Research with Scintica
Overview:
The goal of this webinar was to provide a high-level overview of the various stages of preclinical cancer research and discuss the role that innovative instrumentation can play in moving science forward.
To better understand how to treat and control cancer, researchers start by investigating the basics – the cells, molecules, and genes that make up the human body. This type of study, which is often referred to as basic or discovery research, aims to understand the underlying mechanisms contributing to cancer growth and spread. This knowledge is an essential starting point for developing future diagnostic tests and treatment strategies.
After finding an innovative idea that works in cells, researchers need to take their studies to the next level by employing animal models that have similar biology to humans. Animal models have helped scientists make some of the most important cancer discoveries over the years. Furthermore, preclinical imaging technologies allow researchers to perform longitudinal animal studies that are noninvasive leaving the underlying biology intact so that one can track changes throughout the entire disease process.
It was previously thought that the journey from bench to bedside was unidirectional, starting with discovery research and moving towards clinical trials. However, in the last decade, it has become crucial for basic scientists and clinicians to work together towards finding innovative solutions that will positively impact patient care.
After watching this video, we hope you will have a better understanding of the preclinical workflow needed to push an idea from bench to bedside as well as some of the key equipment that is needed along the way.
This webinar series was hosted by Drs. Katie Parkins and Tyler Lalonde, both of which have extensive experience in translational research areas including oncology, neuroscience, molecular imaging, and drug development.
In this webinar we discussed the following topics:
• Introduction To Cancer Research
• What does “Bench to Bedside” mean?
• In vitro characterization
• Rapid throughput screening
• Quantitative tools
• Moving towards translation
About the Speaker (s)
Katie Parkins, Ph.D.
Product Manager at Scintica
Katie Parkins holds a Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario in Medical Biophysics. Throughout her research training, she was focused on the development and application of novel molecular imaging tools to monitor and treat disease, specifically, cancer. Additionally, Katie completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University where she used multimodal imaging to investigate the molecular mechanisms that may determine immunotherapy response. In her present role as Preclinical Imaging Specialist at Scintica Instrumentation, Katie supports our customers in understanding the products offered and how these instruments help to meet their research needs.
Tyler Lalonde, Ph.D.
Product Manager at Scintica
Dr. Tyler Lalonde has an interdisciplinary background in biochemistry, chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular imaging, and chemical biology. He specialized in surface chemistry during his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry. Here (Laurentian University) he studied biodegradable implant materials using various microscopy techniques. He then moved on to the University of Western Ontario where he developed novel imaging pharmaceuticals for various human diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. From here he expanded his scope in drug design and development at Texas A&M University as a postdoctoral fellow. Dr. Lalonde has been in the field of research and development for 11 years now and has knowledge in multiple areas that is an asset to Scintica and our customers.